This week-end was the 110th anniversary of Harley Davidson, and about 100,000 Harley riders rode their Harleys home; home to Milwaukee, where Harley was conceived, born, and has lived for the past 110 years. These riders were out en force, proudly showing off their bikes and their custom accessories. They flocked to the streets, with confidence and a swagger, in whatever it was they chose that morning, from their Harley wardrobe.
I got up early...left my daughter and her husband's house at 7:00. I wanted to see what I could see, while most everyone else was still sleeping. I knew, though, that I wasn't going to be the only early-bird. While many were probably still preparing for the day's festivities, the curious and enthusiastic were out and about. This week-end offered something for everyone...entertainment that included Steven Tyler, The Doobie Brothers, Joan Jett, Blue Oyster Cult, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, and more. I was here early, though, to catch some parade prep.
I found a parking spot, plugged the meter with all the change I had, and took off on foot. I watched them block off intersections and entire streets. I watched people lining up their chairs and blankets curbside, while drinking their morning coffee from a thermos...at least, I assume it was morning coffee they were sipping.
The Harley Museum was a popular destination...the very lucky found lodging nearby at the Iron Horse Hotel, located in the museum's back yard. One of the places to be...
I don't want to give a wrong impression, or delude, here. I LOVED the pre-parade festivities, seeing all that I saw, walking in amongst all the cycles and their owners, and talking to a number of them. I needed to be out of Dodge, though, by the time the parade started. I'm not paranoid, or afraid of crowds, but I really don't like getting caught up in traffic that moves s l o w l y. I chose when I would observe and interact this morning around traffic; maybe that's a little pathetic, but you know what, it worked. I saw what I wanted, had some good chats, and was on my way to the northern suburbs before the roar began. A great start to a great day.
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